The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) have announced an agreement to co-locate the International Builders’ Show (IBS) and the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in 2014.
The two events will remain separate and distinct shows held simultaneously at the Las Vegas Convention Center through 2016, creating Design and Construction Week, reportedly one of the world’s largest gatherings focused on new ideas, products, and technologies to design, build, and remodel homes.
“This new format allows exhibitors to reach a full range of design and construction professionals who buy, specify, and influence the products that go into American homes,” says NAHB Chairman Barry Rutenberg, a home builder from Gainesville, Florida. “For attendees, it means access to two expansive trade show floors and hundreds of additional suppliers to meet.”
“Two shows, two associations, and one place to see and connect with every aspect of residential construction and remodeling – we couldn’t be more excited to deliver this special event for the industry,” adds John Morgan, NKBA 2013 president and president of Morgan Pinnacle, a manufacturer’s representative for cabinetry and technology brands.
The new mega-event will be held Feb. 4-6, 2014 in Las Vegas, with each show occupying a separate hall. Kitchen and bath brands that have participated in both shows can choose to exhibit in the KBIS or IBS hall. One pass will provide access to both exhibits. NKBA and NAHB will continue to produce separate educational programming and special events. Future show dates are Jan 20-22, 2015 and Jan 19-21, 2016 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Design and Construction Week 2014 is expected to draw more than 75,000 specifiers, builders, dealers, and suppliers and 2,000 exhibiting brands, based on recent trends for both shows.
“Co-locating IBS and KBIS will enable kitchen and bath professionals to benefit through a greater understanding and familiarity with related products, such as windows, doors, flooring, and mechanical systems, all of which are critical to overall consumer satisfaction with project outcomes,” Morgan comments.
“Consumers are indeed the common ground between NAHB and NKBA,” Rutenberg notes. “Co-locating our shows and educational conferences brings together every segment of the industry to advance our collective professionalism and expertise in serving homeowners.”
In 2015, Design and Construction Week will expand further with the addition of SURFACES and StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas, Jan. 21-23 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. SURFACES is the largest floor-covering industry event in North America for retailers, distributors, installers, designers, and home builders. StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas is the only show in North America solely focused on the natural stone industry. Shuttle buses will run between the convention centers to allow approximately 25,000 additional attendees to tour all three exhibits.
